As I was finishing my coffee this morning I realized we’ve never discussed halitosis. Halitosis is also known as bad breath. No matter what it’s called…no one wants it. According to the Academy of General Dentistry in 2012, more than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath.
So, what causes bad breath?
It could be caused by certain habits, food or drinks, gum or periodontal infection, temporary health problems, or underlying medical conditions.
Let’s discuss how to take care of basic bad breath!
- Brush two times a day (don’t stop until you’ve brushed for two minutes) with a soft bristled toothbrush and a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Scrape your tongue. Did you know that your tongue holds just as much bacteria as the teeth do? Bad breath will likely continue if you are not properly cleaning your tongue.
- Floss between each tooth to remove the plaque and food debris.
- Rinse with a good mouth rinse. Ask your dental professional which rinse is recommended for you.
There are so many different products on the store shelves. Over half of them say they will fight bad breath….so which ones do you choose?
When choosing your dental products make sure the package states it is American Dental Association approved. The ADA Seal is you assurance that the product has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on the product label to be assured that it has been reviewed and approved by the ADA. All products with the prestigious ADA Seal must say what they do and do what they say!
Great home care will resolve most cases of bad breath! But professional dental treatment will be necessary if gum or periodontal disease is the source of odor. For any other cause of malodor, consult your physician.
Most people won’t tell you if your breath is bad, so, before assuming the tears in their eyes are from your compelling statement…check your breath!
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!
